Ni MARVIN LOBOS Nagtanim kami Ng lakas-ng-loob Ng baka-sakali Sa burak Na napaglubugan na halos Ng kaliwa naming paa. Doon Hindi mo na makikilala Ang aming pawis Libag Luha Dugo Pagkat pinag-isang dibdib na mga iyon Ng aming lunggati Sa dalisay na tubig at putik Upang malayang magniig At magbunga ng mga palay ng pag-ibig.…
The farmers filed charges of murder, frustrated and attempted murder, torture and physical injuries, illegal arrest and detention and other violations of civil and political rights, including the right to peaceful assembly and redress of grievances.
“Kidapawan should not be another Escalante, Mendiola or Luisita.”
“He is from the 39th Infantry Battalion and a rebel returnee. He had received money from the government. That poses a question to his statement. It bears no weight to the case. It is a paid testimony.”
Last week’s killing, wounding and illegal arrest of drought-stricken farmers who barricaded the Davao-Cotabato highway to dramatize their demands has brought to national attention the harsh realities in the country’s rural areas. It highlighted the desperate straits of the majority of rural folk especially the peasantry. Poor farmers including indigenous people eke out a living…
Contrary to medico-legal reports, both farmers died from single, fatal gunshot wound, according to forensic expert Raquel Fortun.
“They do not deserve to be in jail just like other political prisoners, whose rights have been violated from the very beginning.”
“Didn’t the farmers of Escalante shout for land, rice, and better working conditions? And what did the government do? Just like the Kidapawan farmers, they were fed with bullets.
“We deplore the culture of impunity perpetuated by the Aquino administration where even the provision of health services is treated as a criminal act.”
One week after the violent dispersal of farmers’ barricade in Kidapawan City, progressive groups and supporters held a protest in Manila. They condemned the silence of President Benigno Aquino III on the issue.
“Bumaba na sila dahil wala naman slang nagagawang kabutihan para sa mamamayan lalo na sa mga mahihirap na tao… Nagmasaker sila ng mga taong walang ibang kahilingan kundi bigas.” (They should step down because they are not doing anything good for the people, especially the poor…They massacred those who were only asking for rice.) — Nora Aunor